Friends of LOP

Upate on Revised LOP Master Plan

2009-09-20T10:13:00.006-04:00

Upate on Revised LOP Master Plan

Link to City web-site with some background info and a copy of the Whig article on the day following the public meeting. [The direct link to the Whig article (and online comments made by readers) is http://www.thewhig.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1756563.]

1. From City web-site

http://www.cityofkingston.ca/residents/recreation/parks/lop/

Most recently revised LOP Master Plan is at http://www.cityofkingston.ca/pdf/recreation/lop/LOP_MasterPlanDesign-Revised.pdf.

The deadline to submit Your Opinion on this revised plan is Friday, Oct. 2.

2. From Kingston Whig-Standard September 17, 2009

Revised master plan gets mixed reaction

Posted By MIKE NORRIS

A revised master plan for the revitalization of Lake Ontario Park was greeted with mixed reviews at a public meeting at Loyalist Collegiate and Vocational Institute last night.

Lanie Hurdle, the City of Kingston's director of recreation and leisure services, was kept busy during the two-hour-plus meeting attended by about 200 people. "I think it went fairly well," said Hurdle, who was peppered with questions about the revised plan for the 8.9-hectare park during the evening. "There seemed to be a lot of support for most of the elements in the plan and a lot of suggestions for improvements."

The revisions, which came about as the result of public input since the last plan was unveiled in June, include:

* the removal of a natural pond that would have been used as a natural skating rink in the winter

* a re-created wetland is gone, replaced with a natural wetland

* an exit onto King Street has been replaced with a looping, two-way road so that vehicles can leave the park the same way they entered

* a heritage arbouretum has been replaced by an existing forest

"We looked at the comments we received since the last concept," said Hurdle. "We had a lot of written comments, phone calls, e-mails. We looked at the many concerns." Those concerns included the pond (because of its cost and location), traffic exiting onto King Street and the estimated cost of $4.3 million.

Among the features of the June concept the public was in favour of were the beach, the children's play area, a picnic area, preserving and adding trees and accessible pathways within the park. The revised plan will also reduce construction costs to $4.1 million and cut operating costs by $20,000 per year.

One of the elements that rankled several audience members was the lack of recreational vehicle/ camping sites, which will number between five and 10. "You're going to lose the TOMM Fest (a music festival) and the agility (dog) trials," said David Morgan. "You need a bigger site. You're going to lose that business."

Some people want to see a bigger splash pad for children to play in ("it will bring back the kids and their families," said one gentleman), while some were concerned that the 110 parking spots weren't enough. Others were disappointed that the removal of the pond means no winter skating, although the park will be open year-round.

"I'm disappointed there won't be winter activities," said Holly Dine. "I would be pleased to see as many activities as possible in the park."

For the most part, however, the public was satisfied with the revised plan.

"Everybody seems to be working together," said Tony Dowling. "We need to take our time, and there's no need to rush, to do things right."

Elements that remain in the master plan, developed by consultants Peter J. Smith and Company Inc., include:

* open lawn play areas that can also host programs and events

* picnic area with grills and picnic tables

* an overlook fishing platform

* pavilion with washrooms, showers, concessions, bike, skate and ski rentals

* environmental-themed water play area for children

* naturalized amphitheatre with stage area

* swimming area

* lake house with washrooms, showers, change rooms, canoe/ kayak rentals and storage

Two park features not included in the master plan are a "daily camping site" or an "off leash dog area." The consultant's findings concluded that a daily camping site would consume 40% of available park space and off-leash areas are not typically found in a premier park, as is proposed. Some camping would be allowed during and only for special events.

Construction would be phased in over three years. Parts of the park will become off-limits to the public while they are under construction and cars may also be restricted to the site so construction can take place safely. The entire park, however, will not be closed to the public, according to the city.

Written submissions, e-mails and comments will be considered by the Arts, Recreation and Community Policies Committee at their Sept. 24 meeting. If the committee recommends the plan to council in October and council approves it, construction could begin in the fall of 2010.

Article ID# 1756563

SPECIAL MEETING - LOP MASTER PLAN

2009-09-03T20:21:00.001-04:00

FROM http://www.cityofkingston.ca/residents/recreation/parks/lop/

SPECIAL PUBLIC MEETING ON MASTER PLAN

The Arts, Recreation and Community Policies Committee will hold a special meeting to provide information and receive public input regarding the Lake Ontario Park Master Plan on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2009 at 7 p.m. in the cafeteria at Loyalist College & Vocational Institute (LCVI), 153 Van Order Drive. Accessible entrance is from the south parking lot and side entrance. Community groups are invited to attend.

Written submissions are encouraged and will be received by the Committee Clerk at the meeting. Comments will be considered at the Arts, Recreation and Community Policies Committee at their Sept. 24 meeting and a recommendation will be considered by Council in October

LOP Master Plan to go back to Committee

2009-07-17T05:51:00.002-04:00

The Master Plan didn't get far at the July 14 Council meeting - it has been referred back to Committee. Please see writeup at http://www.thewhig.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1658119.

Council to consider LOP Master Plan July 14

2009-07-13T06:01:00.002-04:00

The report on the LOP Master Plan will be considered by City Council on July 14. You can read the report in Report 69 Part A of Council's agenda at http://www.cityofkingston.ca/cityhall/council/council_agenda.asp.

Friends' response to Master Plan

2009-07-02T21:17:00.003-04:00

As stated on the About page of the web-site, the Friends group has no formal structure and as such cannot voice a single opinion/reaction to Council. The function of the web-site is essentially that of a communication tool.

If you as an individual have concerns about the Master Plan- the design, the costs, and possible closure of some or all of the park for minimal or extended periods, please ensure your Councillor (http://www.cityofkingston.ca/cityhall/council/councillors/) hears about it. But in addition, if you would like your views expressed on this web-site, please send to friends@friendsoflakeontariopark.org and I will post on the blog.

KTW - Letter to Editor July 2

2009-07-02T21:02:00.003-04:00

Concerns as expressed by one park user who attended the Master Plan Public Meeting - see link.

Some information about the LOP Master Plan

2009-07-02T20:25:00.005-04:00

With the information that LOP could be closed completely for two years in order to implement the Master Plan, I contacted an official with the Kingston Recreation & Leisure Services Department who provided information available at this link Notes re Public Meeting.

Lake Ontario Park Master Plan - in the news June 25

2009-07-02T20:23:00.005-04:00

The attached link includes the video clip of the news article on the reaction to the LOP Master Plan.
http://www.ckwstv.com/index.cfm?page=news&id=857
Text of the news article is available at CKWS.

LOP Master Plan Revealed

2009-06-21T21:18:00.001-04:00

The City has unveiled the final version of the LOP Master Plan at http://www.cityofkingston.ca/residents/recreation/parks/lop/index.asp.
The Master Plan will be the subject of a public meeting to be held on Tuesday, June 23 at 6:30 pm in the Press Lounge at Portsmouth Olympic Harbour, 54 Yonge St.

UPCOMING EVENTS in the PARK

2009-06-18T19:45:00.003-04:00

June 21, 2009 - Global Fusion - A showcase of cultural dance, music , song and ethnic displays celebrating Kingston's cultural diversity. (613) 546-4291.Ext.1706 (from www.beautifulkingston.com/cal.html )

June 21, 2009 - CAS ks4kids Run. Registration (8-9am) and other activities take place at St. Lawrence College YMCA but the 5km Professional run will be in the front field at LOP (from http://www.ks4kids.ca/Home.html)

July 4-5, 2009 - Dog Agility Trials
July 25-26, 2009 - Dog Agility Trials
(from http://www.theagilityconnection.net/)

July 9, 2009, 11am - Barefoot Players' "Myth Takes" (from http://www.limestonecity.com/lc/calendar/details/77.html)

17th ANNUAL TEDDY BEAR PICNIC SATURDAY JUNE 20

2009-06-18T19:45:00.001-04:00

Sunnyside Children’s Foundation anticipates a record crowd of 7,000 area children and their families for the 17th annual Teddy Bear Picnic, Saturday, June 20, at Lake Ontario Park.

The Teddy Bear Picnic runs rain or shine, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. A hearty pancake breakfast opens the festivities, followed by a full day of activities and entertainment. Children can ride a miniature electric train through the park, enjoy a horse-drawn wagon ride, and can take part in two dozen activities, ranging from face painting to storytelling, crafts to cookie decorating.

The always popular Teddy Bear Health Clinic will once again offer annual check-ups – furry patients only, please. The wellness conscious Teddy can also take advantage of a physiotherapy appointment, a session with a registered massage therapist, and a Shiatsu treatment.

Gerry Mitchell, one of the area’s most gifted and popular children’s entertainers, headlines and hosts a day-long schedule of stage performances that includes David Smith Marionettes, Barefoot Players, David Archibald, Rob Roy Highland Dancers, the Boys and Girls Club Youth Choir, and the Academy of Martial Arts.

Admission is $3 per child. Admission wristbands are available in advance at all Kingston branches of CIBC. Kingston Transit will once again provide a free ride on routes leading to the picnic to all children 12 and under carrying a teddy bear. A new option this year is to park at St. Lawrence College off King St. and take a shuttle to Lake Ontario Park.

Families are invited to pack along a picnic lunch, or may take advantage of a low-cost hot dog lunch at the park.

(from Kingston This Week)

Lake Ontario Park Master Plan presentation Jun 23, 2009

2009-06-11T16:44:00.002-04:00

Lake Ontario Park Master Plan

The Lake Ontario Park Master Plan will be presented at a public meeting on Tuesday, June 23, at 6:30 p.m. in the Press Lounge at Portsmouth Olympic Harbour, 54 Yonge St.

The Master Plan will be posted for review on June 19 at www.cityofkingston.ca/lop.

TOMM Fest June 12-14, 2009

2009-06-11T16:40:00.001-04:00

Tommfest - Festival to take place June 12th - June 14th

Tommfest will be held at Lake Ontario Park June12th-14th.
Where:
- Lake Ontario Park
- Kingston
When:
- Wednesday, May 13, 2009 to Sunday, June 14, 2009
Web:
- www.tommfest.ca
Entertainment includes Michelle Wright, Kelli Trottier, The Abrams Brothers, Bill White and White Pine, Cheryl Dunn, Valerie Smith along with other artists.
Tickets available at:
The Grand Theatre-613-530-2050 www.kingstongrand.ca
Portsmouth Village Hardware-692 King St West Kingston
World of Rentals-154 Railway St. Kingston
Friday-$15.00
Saturday-$35.00
Sunday-$20.00
Weekend pass-$50.00 (includes rough camping)
Individual passes will be available at the gate each day of the festival.
Information on tickets for Tommfest 2009 please email: tickets@tommfest.ca

Please visit the Tommfest website for further information at: www.tommfest.ca

Public Meetings - Off leash dog parks

2009-06-07T19:34:00.000-04:00

The City is hosting several public meetings to consider the recommended locations for off-leash dog parks. Lake Ontario Park, although a well used pilot project, is not one of the sites recommended to become a permanent site.
See link to City web-site at http://www.cityofkingston.ca/residents/recreation/parks/offleash/index.asp for more information.

Redesign of Web-site

2009-06-07T19:33:00.000-04:00

The Friends web-site has been redesigned, thanks to the efforts of a student at the Kingston Learning Centre.

Off leash dogs outside of designated area

2008-06-25T22:19:00.005-04:00

I have had a concern expressed to me (via the Friends e-mail) by a user of the park. The user has been in touch with the member of Councillor for the area. In the interests of covering the concerns of all users of the park, I have published the comments (edited) below. In addition, please go to http://lifestyle.sympatico.msn.ca/Living/Pets/ and see the link to Dog Park Etiquette on the left hand side of the page.
Alida

"I just wanted to voice my concern about the park concerning dogs and dog owners. I am a frequent walker of the park, almost every day and more and more I see dogs roaming around off leash. If you approach the owner of the dog, you get nothing but a sarcastic reply ...
I see a lot of seniors that refuse to walk the park any more as they are afraid of the dogs. It just seems that the element is taking over the park and if we don't do something, it will only get worse. People just drive up to the park now and open their car doors and let the dogs run. What can we all do to get OUR park back?"

Upcoming events at LOP - July 2008

2008-06-25T22:11:00.003-04:00

More from the City's booking schedule received late May (there may be updates that I have not been made aware of)
Agility Dog Trials – Saturday and Sunday, July 5 and 6
Great Waterfront Trail Adventure – Tuesday, July 8 from noon to 11pm and continuing Wednesday July 9, 7am to noon.
Oxford Seminars Inc. Staff Picnic – Saturday, July 19, noon to 7pm
Wedding pictures – Saturday, July 26 – late afternoon
Camp Cataraqui – daily on weekdays
Adult sport and social club – Mondays through Wednesdays all month 6:30-8pm except the for July 7 and 8, and July 31

Upcoming events at LOP – June 2008 (mostly now completed)

2008-06-25T22:08:00.001-04:00

The City Facility Booking Division has provided a calendar of upcoming events at the Park.
Dog show – Friday, May 30 to Sunday, June 1 (date range presumed, June date only provided on June calendar provided by City)
RV Rally – Thursday June 5 through Sunday June 8
TOMM Festival - Friday June 13 through Sunday June 15
POW WOW – Thursday June 19 and Friday June 20
Teddy Bear Picnic - Saturday, June 21
Family picnic, church picnic – Sunday, June 22
STILL TO COME AS OF THIS POSTING DATE
City of Kingston Summer Camp – Friday June 27
ALS Walk – Saturday – June 28
Adult sport and social club – Mondays through Wednesdays all month

Off leash dog area (update by Mary)

2008-06-25T22:05:00.001-04:00

The city recently established an off-leash dog park (as you may have noticed) at LOP as a pilot project. However, the designated area, as fenced just east of the Long House, was considered to be in conflict with upcoming events in the park, in particular the Teddy Bear Picnic. Therefore, the off-leash dog park will be moved to the north west section of LOP. This change over should occur in the next few days.
The new area will be larger and away from the non-dog pedestrian traffic. There is a road running just to the north that will provide for parking. It looks like a good area for the dogs to continue having fun, exercising and socializing. Picnic tables will be moved into the area for the benefit of the two-legged visitors. Dog owners, and those who just wish to watch the fun, are invited to come out to the Park.
(sorry for the delay in posting this - Mary wrote this on May 28 - you will all have seen the new off-leash dog park by now)

Park Cleanup - April 25

2008-04-22T21:59:00.000-04:00

Mary has asked to have the following posted:
Volunteers needed for clean-up at the park on Friday, April 25th. from 1pm to 4pm.
Bags and gloves are available at the 'long house' anytime after one. Hope to see you there

E-mail fixed

2008-04-22T21:58:00.004-04:00

The Friends' e-mail address (friends@friendsoflakeontariopark.org) is back in business.
If' you'd like to see information related to the Park posted, please e-mail me and I will post on the site's blog.

E-mail problems

2008-04-10T21:05:00.002-04:00

If you've tried to send e-mails to friends@friendsoflakeontariopark.org, they will have bounced in the past 3 or so weeks. I will be arranging for a new e-mail account and let you know that is available (including a direct notification to those already on the e-mail distribution list).

Watch for web-site changes

2008-03-24T09:46:00.000-04:00

With the help of Steven Black who runs the K7Waterfront.org site and is hosting the Friends site (thanks so much), and Patrick Johnson who did the original site design and has offered a refresh (thanks also), I will be changing the current look and feel of the web-site to improve the currency of the information and to make it more accessible to all Friends for open discussion. Stay tuned.

MORE NEWS - MARCH 19, 2008

2008-03-19T08:00:00.003-04:00

From Kristine Hebert, Parks & Open Space Planning Coordinator:
The Culture and Recreation Department has a report going to the Arts Recreation and Community Policies Committee on March 27th for approval of the terms of reference for the Lake Ontario Park Master Plan and approval to issue a Request for Proposal to seek submissions from qualified consultants to undertake the Lake Ontario Park Master Plan. The report will be available on the city website on Saturday March 22. http://www.cityofkingston.ca/calendar/meetings/all/

The ARCP Committee meeting is held at Portsmouth Olympic Harbour at 6 Pm- Thursday March 27, 2008. If you have any question please feel free to contact Kristine at the number below!

Kristine Hebert. B.La, Culture & Heritage Division
Culture & Recreation Department, Community Development Services Group
Phone: 1-613-546-4291 ext. 1256,
Fax: 1-613-546-3180
khebert@cityofkingston.ca

UPDATE - MARCH, 2008

2008-03-01T08:00:00.000-05:00

The City has provided $100,000 in the 2008 budget for the Recreation Master Plan process. The Culture and Recreation Department are awaiting the master plan process to get approval fom the Arts, Recreation and Community Planning Committee and Council to proceed with a report, terms of reference, and Request for Proposal. The Lake Ontario Park report may go forward to the March or April meeting - timing will be confirmed.